“Microsoft Warning Alert” is a fake pop-up error message claiming that the computer is infected. This error is displayed by a malicious website that users visit inadvertently – they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that infiltrate the system during installation of regular apps (“bundling” method). As well as causing redirects, PUPs deliver intrusive advertisements and continually record various user/system information.

This error message states that malicious content has been detected and, therefore, personal information (logins, passwords, banking details, etc.) is at risk. It is also stated that the malware must be eliminated immediately by contacting ‘certified technicians’ via the telephone number (“0-800-046-5729“) provided. Victims are then supposedly guided through the removal process. Be aware, however, that this error message is a scam. Criminals attempt to trick victims into calling and paying for services that are not required. Therefore, never attempt to call the aforementioned telephone number. You can remove this error simply by closing the web browser. Note that the malicious website displays a full screen pop-up when attempts are made to close the browser – this can only be closed via Windows Task Manager. PUPs employ a “virtual layer” to generate coupon, banner, pop-up, and other similar ads. “The virtual layer” enables placement of third party graphical content on any site. The displayed ads often conceal underlying content of visited websites. Furthermore, some lead to malicious websites. Therefore, clicking them can result in further computer infections. Another downside is information tracking – PUPs gather Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, Internet service providers (ISPs), geo-locations, URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, mouse/keyboard activity, and other similar data that might be personally identifiable. This information is shared with third parties who misuse personal details to generate revenue. Thus, data tracking can result in serious privacy issues or even identity theft. All potentially unwanted programs must be uninstalled immediately.

Computers for Classrooms is now installing Windows 10 in the systems we offer.

Intuitive and responsive. Fast startup. Innovative features, such as Cortana voice-enable assistance, improved security features. Familiar interface with start menu. Yet with all these new features, the software manages to remain familiar to long time Windows users.

To participate in Internet Essentials you must receive HUD housing assistance such as Public Housing, Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8 Vouchers) or Multifamily Vouchers (Project-Based Section 8). Applicants must present a copy of one of the following items from the current or previous year: their residential lease agreement (including the Section 8 Tenancy Addendum if applicable),tenant income certification form, voucher form, rent statement or rent letter. The document(s) must be on official letterhead and include your name, address, and the name of the local Public Housing Authority or the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Residents can request a copy of the relevant documentation from their local Public Housing Authority or their landlord.

Do You Qualify?

See below for additional eligibility criteria. If you’re still not sure just give us a call and we can help: 1-(855)-847-3356 ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS: Must receive HUD housing assistance such as Public Housing, Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8 Vouchers) or Multifamily Vouchers (Project-Based Section 8).

Must not have outstanding debt to Comcast that is less than a year old. Individuals with outstanding debt more than one year old may still be eligible.

Must live in an area where Comcast Internet service is available but not have subscribed to it within the last 90 days.

CFC has added a new Data Destroyer in addition to our Degausser. Take a look at our Data Destruction Brochure. We can now destroy solid state and flash drives as well as hard drives. We can provide a Certification of Destruction and use our portable equipment at your site.

Coming Together to Help a School in San Francisco

After the computer lab from the International Studies Academy in San Francisco was stolen, a community effort worked with CFC to supply a new lab within just three weeks! Big thanks go to the sfBig organization and Mark Crafts as well as Mathew Day at Silverfox. We can all work together to help schools. Take a look at their new lab.

Once again sfBIG has a new campaign going to help McCoppin Elementary School in San Francisco. The sfBIG donors are gathered funds to supply 60 Core 2 Duo computers to a school that has beenl using very, very old G-3 iMacs. The old computers could not be used for the Common Core testing so the school could not participate in the required program.

Pat Furr and Francis Fawcett win the Jim Lynch Award

Pat Furr and Francis Fawcett received the Jim Lynch Award from the International Comptuer Refurbishers Summit in Austin, TX in November. Pat Furr, the Founder/President of Computers for Classrooms, was recognized for the many years of dedication and support to other refurbishers. Francis was the Microsoft Director of the Registered Refurbisher Program that allows refurbishers to license donated computers when they are to be used in schools, with non-profits or low-income families. Francis will not be as involved with the MRR Program in the future so the members wanted to recognize her efforts in furthering the cause of obtaining technology for schools and families that can’t afford to buy new products.

CFC has been working with Dr. Rob Fairlie, UC,Santa Cruz, as a part of a research project to determine the benefits of having a home computer. We gave 1,000 free home computers systems to selected schools in Chico, Marysille, Yuba City, Sacramento and Fresno. The first round of 500 donated computers was made last fall. The final round was delivered to the schools recently. Pat Furr was invited by the Sacramento City Unified School District School Board meeting to receive an award acknowledging the receipt of 400 computers given to Sacramento middle school children. We are awaiting the results of Dr. Fairlie’s research. It will take some time to receive the final data from the schools and to evaluate the results. It may help us to understand the value of reusing computer systems and the benefits to an individual’s educational opportunities.

Computers for Classrooms will be assisting families that have a child in the FREE or REDUCED lunch program through their school to obtain low cost broadband Internet if they live in a Comcast cable community. To qualify for the program families need to have at least one child in the free or reduced price lunch program, they cannot owe Comcast money or equipment and they cannot have had Comcast Internet for 90 days. Call to sign up for the program. The cost will be $9.95 per month plus tax but there will be no setup fees, no credit check, no social security check and a free modem and installation. At last there is an excellent opportunity for familys to be able to use the many features of a high speed Internet connection. When Comcast bought NBC last year, they agreed to assist 6.6 million families to be able to connect to the Internet. Call Computers for Classrooms to help you get started. Schools with 90% F/R lunch students will find it much easier to sign up. Call for additional information. 1-855-846-8376

Microsoft Registered Refurbishers have been given the ability to install Microsoft Office 2010 Home and Business on computers going to low-income families or to other non-profits. We will be able to install Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, One Note and Security Essentials. Our systems include keyboards, mice, LCD monitors and a one year warranty. We keep upgrading our systems and strive to lower prices.